The first part of a planned three-volume work devoted to mapping the transnational history of Australian film studies, Australian Film Theory and Criticism, Volume 1 provides an overview of the period between 1975 and 1990, during which the discipline first became established in the academy.

Tracing critical positions, people, and institutions across this influential period, a roster of distinguished contributors examine a multitude of books and journal articles published in Australia and distributed internationally. At the same time, they offer important insights about the origins of Australian film theory and its relationship to such related disciplines as art history, performance art, and digital media discourses. Ultimately, Australian Film Theory and Criticism, Volume 1 delineates the historical implications – and reveals the future possibilities – of establishing new directions of inquiry for film studies in Australia and internationally.